Morocco Intensifies Protection of Cultural Heritage Amid Regional Disputes

Throughout Morocco, a renewed push to protect the nation's rich cultural heritage is gaining momentum, with the government taking decisive steps to prevent cultural appropriation. Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid has announced plans to fully implement Bill No. 33.22, a comprehensive measure designed to safeguard both tangible and intangible national heritage from unauthorized use and appropriation.

Speaking before the Education, Culture, and Communication Committee at the House of Representatives, Bensaid emphasized that the legislation arrives at a crucial time, coinciding with Morocco's significant archaeological discoveries that have elevated the country's status in global archaeology and geology research. The timing is particularly significant as Morocco prepares to host prestigious events, including the 2023 World Cup, which will showcase the country's cultural heritage on an international stage.

The new legislation aims to modernize Morocco's heritage protection framework to meet international standards while creating economic opportunities through public-private partnerships. This initiative follows King Mohammed VI's address to the 17th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, where he highlighted the increasing threats to Morocco's cultural heritage in today's rapidly changing world.

Bill No. 33.22 introduces stringent penalties for violations and establishes clear procedures for preserving heritage items, including their registration on the World Heritage List. The legislation emphasizes shared responsibility between cultural object owners and administration in preservation efforts and registration in the National Inventory Registry.

The urgency of these measures has been underscored by recent incidents of cultural appropriation, particularly involving neighboring Algeria. Recent controversies include Algeria's presentation of zelliges as part of its cultural heritage and an attempt to claim the Moroccan caftan as Algerian intangible heritage in a UNESCO submission.

Morocco's diplomatic efforts have yielded success in protecting its cultural identity. During a recent UNESCO meeting in Paraguay, Morocco's ambassador to UNESCO, Samir Addaher, successfully challenged Algeria's attempt to claim the Moroccan caftan. This marked a historic moment as the first time the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage accepted such an objection.

This comprehensive approach to cultural heritage protection reflects Morocco's commitment to preserving its national identity while adapting to modern challenges in heritage conservation and management. The initiative not only aims to protect cultural assets but also seeks to transform them into sources of economic growth and employment opportunities.